The St. Louis Cardinals have some expensive stars that need new homes. That’s been the New York Yankees’ calling card for decades.
With their roster in a precarious spot, the Cardinals aren’t necessarily entering a full rebuild, but they’re slowly transitioning away from the aging core that led them to their most recent playoff appearance.
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt is likely a goner in free agency, and a pair of fellow former All-Stars could be joining him on the way out. Perhaps St. Louis could take advantage of the Yankees’ desperation to win a championship and package them both in a blockbuster trade.
Eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado has three years remaining on his contract worth over $76 million, while closer Ryan Helsley is entering his walk year after an All-Star campaign of his own. The Cardinals would love to trade both, but could they take care of it in one sweeping transaction?
Recently, Brandon Wile of The Score predicted that the Cardinals would send both Arenado and Helsley to the Yankees in the same trade, plugging a pair of holes for the defending American League champions.
“Bringing in Arenado allows the Yankees to move Jazz Chisholm Jr. to either second base or center field, further aiding a defense that struggled in the postseason,” Wile said.
“Helsley is coming off a season in which he was NL Reliever of the Year. He’ll slide into New York’s closer’s role, allowing Weaver to be a setup man.”
Arenado, 33, is a 10-time Gold Glover and five-time Silver Slugger, but he’s regressed offensively in each of the last two seasons. The Cardinals can’t expect a monster return for the future Hall of Famer, but clearing him off their books would be a win regardless.
Meanwhile, Helsley is at the peak of his powers, and could help fetch the Cardinals more prized prospects in the deal. The 30-year-old flamethrower had a 2.04 ERA and MLB-leading 49 saves in 2024, striking out 79 batters in 66 1/3 innings.
Though the Yankees aren’t likely to move superstar prospect Jasson Domínguez, the Cardinals could still pursue some talented young players to help open their next title window. Unfortunately, Arenado and Helsley likely already whiffed on their chance to win themselves a ring in St. Louis.
Proposed Yankees-Cardinals blockbuster sends two All-Stars to the Bronx image
The St. Louis Cardinals have some expensive stars that need new homes. That’s been the New York Yankees’ calling card for decades.
With their roster in a precarious spot, the Cardinals aren’t necessarily entering a full rebuild, but they’re slowly transitioning away from the aging core that led them to their most recent playoff appearance.
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt is likely a goner in free agency, and a pair of fellow former All-Stars could be joining him on the way out. Perhaps St. Louis could take advantage of the Yankees’ desperation to win a championship and package them both in a blockbuster trade.
Eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado has three years remaining on his contract worth over $76 million, while closer Ryan Helsley is entering his walk year after an All-Star campaign of his own. The Cardinals would love to trade both, but could they take care of it in one sweeping transaction?
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